Pune: The tranquil towns of Anand Park and Anand Nagar in Koregaon Bhima, taluka Shirur, have been shaken by the presence of a leopard in the vicinity for the past four days. The leopard has been spotted in the fields behind Anand Nagar, near the populated areas, causing distress and fear among the villagers. With a significant population and close proximity to the Pune Nagar Highway, the sighting of the elusive predator has left the residents astonished and apprehensive.
Several citizens reported seeing the leopard from their terraces and captured its presence on video as it roamed near Anand Park. The close proximity of the leopard to the residential areas has stirred fear and uncertainty among students, workers, women, and locals, leaving them hesitant to go about their daily activities. The question on everyone’s mind is whether the leopard will make another appearance, adding to the prevailing anxiety.
In response to the situation, BN Dahatonde of the Forest Department conducted an immediate inspection of the Anand Park and Anand Nagar area and assured the installation of a cage to capture the leopard. The forest department is taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the residents and prevent any potential harm caused by the presence of the leopard.
Vijay Gavane, the former sarpanch of Koregaon Bhima, raised concerns about the safety of citizens and urged the forest department to act swiftly by setting up a cage to trap the leopard. The well-being of the residents should be of paramount importance, and measures must be taken to avoid any untoward incidents.
Current sarpanch of Koregaon Bhima, Vikram Gavane, echoed the sentiment and appealed to the citizens to exercise caution while the situation is being addressed. The forest department is actively monitoring the area to ensure the leopard’s movements are closely observed, and steps are being taken to mitigate any potential risks.
The presence of wildlife in and around human settlements can be both fascinating and unnerving. While these encounters remind us of the diverse ecosystem we coexist with, it is vital to approach such situations with vigilance and respect for the animals’ natural habitat.
